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Our Mission: Lead a dynamic, demand-driven workforce system.
August 2013
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Start Next Quarter increases access to education and training 

 

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) recently launched Start Next Quarter, an online eligibility tool designed to connect potential students to workforce financial aid resources quickly and easily. Through a simple questionnaire, they can find out immediately if they may qualify for Worker Retraining, WorkFirst, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET), Opportunity Grant and/or Workforce Investment Act funding.

 

"One of the primary obstacles to even thinking about going to school is funding," said Mark Mattke, SAWDC CEO. "This tool lets job seekers know if they are eligible for funding and how they can start getting the training they need to be competitive."

 

Normally someone would go to multiple offices throughout Spokane to get this information. This website coupled with centralized offices on each CCS campus and at the WorkSource Spokane center streamlines the process considerably and better serves students and job seekers, said Mattke. 

Workforce Investment Act heads for reauthorization
 

capitol The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is one step closer to being reauthorized.  WIA authorizes the nation's public workforce systems and is the largest source of federal funding for workforce development for adult job seekers, dislocated workers and youth. It was originally passed in 1998 and has not been reauthorized since expiring in 2003. 

 

In March of this year, the House passed its version, H.R. 803, titled the Strengthening Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act. In late July the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed its version. The bill will now need to be considered by the full Senate before it can be conferenced with the House version.

 

To follow the bill's progress or to learn more, visit the National Association of Workforce Boards' Latest from Washington.

Youth gains experience through Next Generation Zone

 

Miranda In 2007, Miranda had just finished her freshman year at Eastern Washington University (EWU) and was living with her older sister. At 18, she had not yet decided on a major and was still uncertain about what she wanted to do.

 

Her sister heard about a great opportunity through the Next Generation Zone and thought it fit Miranda perfectly. She soon visited with a career coach at the Next Generation Zone and was referred to an internship as a public affairs assistant with the local Red Cross chapter.

 

She spent the summer writing public service announcements, copy editing and writing articles. She returned to school with a clear idea and declared her major in public relations.

 

Two years later, Miranda was yet again looking for a summer job that would enhance her skills and boost her résumé. "I went back to the Next Generation Zone because I trusted them as a resource," she said. "And they set me up with the coolest position at North by Northwest."

 

Miranda spent the summer of 2009 as a video intern at the production company and even assisted in producing a video about the services offered at the Next Generation Zone. She graduated from EWU in 2010 and after spending one year as an AmeriCorps member, she is now the receptionist at Oil Analysis Lab, Inc. in Spokane.

 

The combination of work-based learning experiences and career services at the Next Generation Zone prepared Miranda for a successful entrance into the workforce. At a time when many of her peers have yet to land their first job out of college, she considers herself lucky. "I've learned so much," she said. "It's been a really beneficial opportunity for me."

In This Issue
WIA reauthorization in progress
Youth gains experience through Next Generation Zone

Upcoming Events 

 

Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair

September 20

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Spokane County Fair and Expo Center 

Rooms A & B
404 North Havana Street   

SpokaneWA 99202 

 

 

 Pathways to Apprenticeship 

September 25

8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Spokane Ironworkers

16610 E. Euclid

Spokane Valley, WA 99216

 

 

SAWDC Youth Council

October 3

3:30 - 5 p.m.

Next Generation Zone

901 E. Second Ave, #100

Spokane, WA 99202

 

 

SAWDC Board Meeting

October 9

7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Lincoln Center

1316 N. Lincoln St.

Spokane, WA 99201 

 

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We're Hiring!

The SAWDC is now recruiting for a Workforce Program Manager.

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Quick Links

 

 

Next Generation Zone


Access2Experience

 

 

CCS Center for Workforce & Continuing education

 

 

State Employment & Economic Information

 

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The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services.  Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service (TTY) 1-800-833-6388 or 711.